As most of you know, I am graduating in August with my M.Ed in Special Education (finally!) Throughout my degree, I have focused my studies on outdoor education for special needs individuals, so obviously this is one of my favorite populations to work with. Since my season with NSCD ends in March, I searched out another similar program that I could do in the summer….enter the Special Olympics!
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| Our track |
As a volunteer, I work with the two coaches: one is a paid employee of the city who has her degree in therapeutic recreation, and the other is the father of one of the participants. Between the three of us, we have roughly 10-12 participants at practice every week which is pretty good ratio of instructors to students.
And you know what else? I have to tell you that practices are usually such a good time!! If possible, I usually show up early to get my own run in at the track. The kiddos had a meet this past weekend, so last week was spent preparing them for their individual events. One of my girls is severely disabled and has trouble running between the white lines on the track. Unfortunately, this DQ’s her from every race, so she and I spent a serious amount of time jogging in a lane, me running behind her to remind her of the parameters. We haven’t had this week’s practice so I am not sure how her race went, but I have my fingers crossed!
My favorite part of last week was when we practiced the softball throw. Up until practice, I did not even know that the softball throw was an event at these meets, but it definitely makes me smile because I remember it from field day in elementary school 🙂 One of the coaches and myself lined up in the field, prepared to shag the balls back to the kiddos after they threw them. However, I was completely unprepared for one of the boys! The second he stepped up to chuck his softball, the other coach told me to run backwards about 100 yards. I laughed a bit because I thought he was joking, so imagine my surprise when the kiddo launched the softball far, far over my head and into the lacrosse field behind me!
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| Source |
This is about how I felt 🙂
Turns out, this kiddo has been banned from participating in the softball throw because he is too good! These days, shotput is his sport but he wanted to show me his stuff. Unfortunately for me, I can’t throw anywhere near as far as him so I had to get the ball, jog it in 50 feet, and then throw it to him. In fact, it kind of reminded me of that scene in The Sandlot where Smalls runs the ball in from the outfield back to the pitcher… only I was Smalls. How embarrassing 🙂
12 Comments
I spent years volunteering with the Special Olympics (basketball for 4 years and track for 2 years) and it was such an awesome experience. If you ever get a chance, volunteer for one of the sports where you have to actually play in the game with the kids (you play by modified rules meant to keep the game moving fairly) and you won’t believe how talented and passionate they truly are. Everything I know about basketball I learnt from them! I miss it!
ummm seriously this sounds so fun and amazing and rewarding! what a great experience! for you and the lives of those you are touching:) i really would love to volunteer for something some day…like maybe girls on the run or something like that!
That’s so awesome of you. I just got approved to be a Big for Big Brothers Big Sisters, so I’m just waiting to be matched!
This sounds amazing Heather. I hope you’ll post more about it 😉 I have volunteered and helped out. Used to coach girls soccer and help the special needs kids at lunch in high school. I am always actively involved come election time (so hardcore) lol
I want to do more!
You are a GREAT women for giving your time with these kids.. teaching them the love of sport! I would love to volunteer this fall after we make our move across the country (my husband is military) once we get settled, I will have more time to explore opportunities.
I volunteer my time as a high school track coach and cheer coach. Those few hours of practice are the absolute best parts of my days. Kids aren’t as stressed out as adults and are more optimistic. I always leave practice with lots of energy and feeling good about life. And sports are SO important because it helps build confidence in kids.
This is so awesome. Great post. Currently I don’t volunteer anywhere but I may just have to check something out!
Before I moved I volunteered with a local cat shelter. It was so much fun. I got to go visit kitties and play (and feed and clean up after) them. It was sad at times, but the happy times definitely out shined all of the sad stuff.
You have me looking in to special olympics volunteering opportunities here! Great post!
thats awesome! i was just telling my bf a few weeks ago that as soon as i am done with my masters i am jumping into volunteering 🙂 i think everyone should give back in some way!
that sounds awesome!
and the sandlot… so epic. 🙂
Aww I love this! This is such a great way to volunteer, I want to look into something like this!